"Music to me, is a reflection of intelligence". That was one of the inspirational quotes that music teacher, Jim Walter, said to a very young and influential Pat Ferris in the late '70s. Since then, one of my main passions has been to find music that reflected intelligence through great arrangements, lyrics, or musicianship.

From Cleveland Ohio, fusion band Rare Blend, is carrying the fusion jazz torch as the only (or at least only performing) fusion band in Cleveland. Jazz fusion is in many ways, the pinnacle of musical ability. What I mean by that is that the musicians performing in jazz fusion combos are adept at most styles of music (hence the word 'fusion'), while many performers in rock, reggae, country, etc. bands, are adept only at their specific style.

Rare Blend was founded by guitarist Vic Samalot and keyboardist Bobbi Holt in 1993, releasing their first CD 'Cinefusion' in 1995. in 1998 Rare Blend expanded to a four piece with bassist/composer Jeff Scott and drummer Paul Stranahan. Both Samalot and Stranahan are music instructors and all band members are masters of their craft, blending their talents to create a unique and exciting sound.

Their latest CD 'Infinity', released in 2000, is a brilliant collection of instrumental arrangments that are 'heady' enough for any jazz afficionado, but have odd time signatures and hooks, as well as elements of funk and rock, appealing to a broader audience than traditional fusion bands.